Matthias Holweg

Matthias' research focuses on organisational process improvements and the role of digital technologies in supporting these efforts.

He is particularly interested in exploring how AI can enhance processes and, conversely, how best practices in process management can improve the operation of AI systems.

His recent work examines the lifecycle management of AI systems—from development and deployment to operations and retirement—with an emphasis on ensuring their trustworthiness. In collaboration with colleagues at the Oxford Internet Institute and Oxford Saïd, he co-developed a proof-of-concept for an ethics-based audit protocol for AI systems. Additionally, he is investigating the potential failure modes of AI applications in light of regulatory efforts to mitigate ethical risks.

A long-standing focus of Matthias' research has been continuous process improvement. He is renowned for his work on the evolution and adaptation of Lean Six Sigma methodologies across various sectors, including manufacturing, service, office, and public domains. His award-winning papers on the genealogy of lean production and the evolution of lean thinking philosophy are among the most cited in the field. Matthias is also co-author, with John Bicheno, of 'The Lean Toolbox', a widely successful practitioner guide to lean transformation available in multiple languages.

In his recent publications, Matthias explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and Lean Six Sigma, discussing ways in which AI can augment process improvement activities.

Theory is all you need: AI, human cognition, and causal reasoning 
SSRN  |  February 2024
T Felin, M Holweg

How AI fits into Lean Six Sigma
Harvard Business Review  |  November 2023
M Holweg, T Davenport, K Snyder

How AI is helping companies redesign processes
Harvard Business Review  |  March 2023
T Davenport, M Holweg, D Jeavons

capAI - A procedure for conducting conformity assessment of AI systems in line with the EU Artificial Intelligence Act 
SSRN  |  March 2022
F Luciano, M Holweg, M Taddeo, J Amaya Silva, J Mökander and Y Wen

The reputational risks of AI 
California Management Review - Insights  |  January 2022
M Holweg, R younger and Y Wen 

Matthias collaborates closely with corporate executives, both in his research and through executive education.

His current focus is to create awareness at senior levels within organisations how important understanding the opportunities and risks of implementing AI. He is working closely with organisations across industry sectors to help them develop ways to innovate safely with AI by managing the entire lifecycle—from development and deployment to operations and retirement—with a particular emphasis on ensuring their trustworthiness. He is actively involved in developing best practices for managing AI regulatory compliance processes in private and public sector contexts. In response to the growing need for effective AI governance, Matthias co-founded oxethica, a startup that aims to develop and promote best practices in AI governance and streamline compliance processes for current and upcoming regulations. This venture, established with his Oxford colleagues, bridges the gap between academic research and practical implementation in the rapidly evolving field of AI ethics and regulation.

Matthias also serves an Associate Editor at the Journal of Operations Management, and regularly provides regular commentary for BBC News and the Today Programme on technology and global manufacturing issues.

At Oxford SaÏd, Matthias leads the core Technology and Operations Management curriculum on the MBA and Executive MBA, and together with Michael Smets, offers the Leading Digital Transformation core+ course on the MBA. He also developed electives in the areas of Machine Learning for Business and Lean Six Sigma.

Together with Jane Davies, Arnoud De Meyer, Benn Lawson and Roger W. Schmenner, he is co-author of ‘Process Theory: The Principles of Operations Management’ (published by Oxford University Press),  which is the primary text used in the core Operations Management courses at both Oxford and Cambridge.

In recent years Matthias has taught:

• Technology and Operations Management (MBA and EMBA core)
• Leading Digital Transformation (MBA core+)
• Machine Learning for Business (MBA elective)
• Lean Six Sigma (MBA and EMBA elective)
• Supply Chain Management (MBA elective)

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• LinkedIn